Archive for November, 2010

Iris Recognition Technology

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

Iris recognition is one of the more reliable forms of biometric authentication. Iris recognition systems take high resolution images of the iris of a person’s eye and then implement pattern recognition technology for one-to-many matching.

Iris-recognition algorithms, first created by John G. Daugman, are utilized for the image acquisition and one-to-many identification process. Most iris recognition systems use a 750 nm wavelength light source to implement Near Infrared Imaging. This enables the system to block out light reflection from the cornea and thus create images which highlight the intricate structures of the iris. But these images become difficult to recognize in the identification step. Hence nowadays visual wavelength imaging is being preferred over near infrared imaging.

The advantages of iris-recognition systems over other systems are many. Iris texture is a unique feature of a human being and it is randomly determined during embryonic gestation. No two persons have the same iris textures, not even identical twins. In this regard iris texture is more unique than DNA which is found to be the same in 0.2% of identical twins. Also the iris being mostly flat, it is a more predictable feature than a face. Also the iris-recognition algorithm has an extremely high false match rate. Also, iris texture does not easily change due to illnesses or surgeries and that makes it an extremely good attribute to store as a database.

But still iris scanners are widely trusted for security and access control purposes. Apart from defence boards and border security forces even police forces and intelligence agencies of many countries have started using iris scanning and recognition technologies to safeguard sensitive data as well as to avoid mistaken identities while bringing criminals to book.

Biometric Fingerprint Readers

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

Fingerprints, defined as the traces of impression left by a human finger, has always been an indispensible part of police investigations. With the sweeping tide of technology fingerprint identification system have started becoming part of the police force for quite some time now. But with the new advancements in the field of biometrics, fingerprints have found new dimension, even to the intelligence agencies.

Biometrics is the science and technology of measuring and analyzing physical characteristics of a person. Physical characteristics in terms of biometrics mean unique identifying features of a human being such as DNA, eye retina, iris, fingerprints, hand measurement, facial pattern, voice pattern etc. But because of being invariant over time and the ease to record those fingerprints, along with iris, have become a preferred attribute. This has given rise to the popularity of biometric fingerprint readers across the world. More often than not fingerprint readers come along with USB connectivity. This allows the fingerprint reader to be easily integrated to other systems. Thus the record can be easily analysed and verified. This has increased popularity of the USB fingerprint reader.

Police forces in a large number of countries, including USA, Germany, Italy, Australia, and UK among others, have started using fingerprint readers extensively. The use of fingerprint readers is not restricted to collecting evidence and storing it in database. Biometric fingerprint readers are widely trusted by security and intelligence agencies to safeguard sensitive data and to implement access control to such data. Moreover, with the advent of fingerprint attendance record it is now easier to keep track of employee attendance. Though this particular system is popular in the corporate world, intelligence agencies have also started using it to keep a tab on the staff.

Biometrics: The Present and Future of Security and Access Control Measures

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

Biometrics is the science and technology of measuring and analyzing physical characteristics of a person such as DNA, eye retina, iris, fingerprints, hand measurement, facial pattern, voice pattern etc. This information technology tool called is today widely used as part of security measures across the world, more so by the police and intelligence agencies. Federal agencies of a large number of countries, including USA, Germany, Italy, Australia, and UK among others, have adapted to biometric security systems.

Though biometric security can be based on any of the attributes discussed above, systems based on fingerprint and iris or eye retina recognition are still considered to be more reliable and are preferred over the others. This is because these two attributes are the entirely unique and are never the same for two individuals. Also they are easy to register. Facial patterns can change with weight changes and changes in facial hair pattern. Voice patterns also vary due to cough, cold and other illnesses. Though DNA is the most unique feature of a human being the complicacy involved in matching a DNA sample with an individual fails to make a DNA recognition system a popular access control measure. As a result fingerprint access control and iris recognition systems are most widely used as a biometric security measure.

Even a couple of decades ago biometric authentication procedures were a part of science fictions. But today biometrics is a reality and biometric access control systems are soon taking over traditional access control measuresto guard sensitive data. The advantage of biometric access control over traditional password protected systems is that not only are passwords protected system easier to intercept as compared to biometric systems, but also it takes a lot of time to recover a password if it is forgotten. Apart from access control biometrics is also utilized as part of biometric attendance record.

CROSSMATCH VERIFIERS 310 DUAL FINGER USB FINGERPRINT SCANNER

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

As its name suggests Crossmatch Verifier 310 Dual Finger USB Fingerprint Scanner is a dual fingerprint scanner.The advantage that Crossmatch Verifier 310 LC has over single fingerprint scanners is that being a dual fingerprint scanner it improves accuracy by manifolds. With increased accuracy the equipment renders itself extremely useful for identification, verification and registration programs all across the world. The fingerprint reader is also effective in reducing the required time to complete a full enrolment significantly.

The low maintenance biometric scanner comes with a durable and portable chassis and a free fingerprint capturing software. It also features an under-cut lip for easy hand access and a raised platen border for natural finger positioning. Optical bench or kiosk mounts are also part of the product package. Crossmatch Verifier 310 LC supports a wide range of fingerprint authentication systems, fingerprint matching applications and fingerprint recognition software. It is compatible with widely used operating systems such as Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. The hallmarks of the Crossmatch Verifier 310 LC, however, are its large heated platen and extremely improved ambient light rejection. These attributes make integration into most biometric-enabled security installations extremely easy.

The fingerprint scanner is essentially designed to capture forensic-quality dual fingerprints. Its patented Auto Capture technology is tailor-made for foolproof image scanning and its high resolution of 500 ppi makes it the preferred choice for low-volume as well as high-volume environments. The enhanced optical system of the scanner captures high-quality fingerprint images from even stained and marked fingers. It also rules out “halo” condensation effect compliant from moist or warm sample and is certified to be usable with or without Crossmatch patented silicone membranes. Being FBI-PIV certified,Crossmatch Verifier 310 LC dual finger usb scanner meets the required standards for a two finger authentication fingerprint scanner. The biometric scanner is also the first optical scanner to be FIPS-201 standards for dual fingerprint capture. The scanner’s capability of capturing rolled and flat fingerprints makes it a great buy.

Futronic FS80 Fingerprint Scanner: A Reliable Way of Fingerprint Scanning

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

In today’s world, fingerprint scanners are an indispensible part of police investigations and even personal security systems. They play a pivotal role in ensuring security as well as in detection of felony. Among the many fingerprint scanners available in the market, an extremely sophisticated one is Futronic’s FS80 Fingerprint Scanner. Let us review the prime features of this USB scanner.

Futronic FS80 supports Logon for MS Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP Home and Professional as well as or MS Windows 2000. Users can Logon to Windows PC by a finger touch and there is no need to set username or password. The fingerprint recognition accuracy is also very high at FAR-10-6 and FAR-10-2. To avoid unauthorized access to computer there are four authentication options available, involving a combination of fingerprint, username and password. The fingerprint data are transferred to Windows with 256bit AES encryption and there is scope to keep a backup for the data and to restore it afterwards. It even supports return from hibernate, screen saver, Windows Lock and standby.

The USB fingerprint scanner has a finger scanning window made of crown glass which has a thickness of 14 mm, making it a lot more well-built and reliable than other semiconductor or optical type fingerprint sensors. During scanning , 4 infra-red LED’s throw light on the finger and the intensity of these lights can be adjusted in accordance with the characteristics, such as, dry, wet, blurred, of the fingerprint. This helps in improving the quality of the fingerprint image.

Also, the Futronic FS80 fingerprint scanner has special electronic circuits inbuilt in it to support Live Finger Detection (LFD). This helps in rejecting fingerprints from silicone rubber or play-doh made fingers and only accepts data from a live finger. To further facilitate LFD, the feature is included in all standard software from Futronic.

One of the hallmarks of Futronic’s FS80 Fingerprint Scanner is the use of advanced CMOS sensor technology ad precise optimal system. The dual feature helps to deliver fingerprint images of extremely high quality. It can capture raw fingerprint image (undistorted) at an amazing speed of 100ms. Futronic FS80 is compatible with almost every fingerprint recognition application.

CROSSMATCH VERIFIERS 300 LC 2.0 USB FINGERPRINT SCANNER

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Fingerprint scanners are essential to many customer application programs around the world. Verifiers find their usability in various projects- from physical access control projects to child ID programs, from border and port entry/exit control to national ID and registration programs. A global producer of fingerprint scanners is Crossmatch Technologies.

Crossmatchfingerprint scanners are a name to reckon with as far as image quality and durability is concerned. The fingerprint scanners are generally low on maintenance and high on efficiency. One such fingerprint scanner fromthe Crossmatch product range is the Crossmatch Verifier 300 LC 2.0 USB Fingerprint Scanner.

Crossmatch Verifier 300 LC 2.0 USB Fingerprint Scanner is a high grade fingerprint capturing device. It gives fairly accurate and undeviating results. It is extensively used for a wide range of identification, verification and registration programs. It has, reportedly, been deployed in over 5000 applications all across the globe. It is especially effective in high volume processing environments.

The Crossmatch 300 fingerprint scanner is a portable and lightweight fingerprint biometrics device. Made of lightweight, polycarbonate lexan case the fingerprint scanner weighs only 1 lb and has a rugged design. It comes with universal serial bus (USB 2.0) connectivity and with the help of a kiosk-ready version it can be easily integrated to most exiting applications. It supports Windows Vista, Windows XP 32-bit and Windows 7 and is ANSI-NIST compliant. It meets the FBI requirements for a fingerprint imaging device.

The cost-effective fingerprint scanner provides sub-pixel geometric accuracy and thereby deliversfingerprint images of extremely high quality. It captures quality images from even marked or stained fingers in both outdoor and indoor environments. Its vastly improved illumination system and high image resolution of 500 ppihelps to capture fingerprints of forensic quality. The compact device also features automatic fingerprint capturing. Being an intuitive system, Crossmatch verifier 300 is also easy to operate.

The Secugen Hamster IV FIPS 201/PIV USB Fingerprint Scanners part of the Tamil Nadu Health Insurance Scheme

Monday, November 8th, 2010

The Secugen Hamster IV FIPS 201/PIV scanner is a high-quality, robust, maintenance-free optical fingerprint scanner. This Fips compliant fingerprint reader also carries the FBI certification of being a “PIV Single Finger Capture Device”. Also known as the Secugen Hamster IV PIV USB Fingerprint Scanner, it is compatible with a variety of operating systems including Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows Server 2003 and Windows ME. It also features a USB connection for easy access to and transfer of data.

The Secugen Hamster IV FIPS 201/PIV scanner proves to be a robust biometric platform, which can be used for various fingerprint based applications such as recognition, verification, authentication, scanning and matching, as it makes use of advanced optical sensors based on patented SEIR technology. The optical fingerprint scanner’s multipurpose functionality and robust design have recently won it favor with the Tamil Nadu Health Insurance Scheme (TNHIS).

The TNHIS project is an eGovernance initiative run by the Government of India. The project is to ensure the availability of health care insurance to the rural poor of the country. The Secugen Hamster IV FIPS 201/PIV scanners have been used to enroll approximately 100 million fingerprints from around 15 million families in a span of just 75 days. The Fips compliant fingerprint readers have been used to enroll each beneficiary into the system to later help identify them for health care insurance on the basis of the scans.The Secugen Hamster fingerprint readers shall next be used to prevent unauthorized access at the point of authentication in the hospitals part f the TNHIS project.

This is not the first time the Secugen Hamster IV FIPS 201/PIV USB fingerprint scanners have been an integral part of a government project, as they have previously been used in various health insurance and micro finance e-governance projects across India. Their ability to capture images in ultra-high resolution and thus feature high levels of accuracy makes them a popular choice for such projects.

The Secugen Hamster IV PIV USB fingerprint scanners are ergonomically designed and make use of the latest in optical sensor technology. These optical fingerprint scanners feature a hardened contact area which makes them scratch resistant as well as resistant to impact and electrostatic discharge. These Fips compliant fingerprint readers have been designed to be effective even under weather conditions like a humidity level of up to 90 percent and temperatures ranging from 0 to 40 degrees. The Secugen Hamster scanner usually features a life span of 60,000 hours under normal operating conditions. Besides being used for authentication, they can be used for time and attendance, E-Commerce, B2B transactions, bank and financial systems, password based applications, medical information systems, network/enterprise security, computer login, point of sale machines, and fingerprint access control applications.

Schleuniger Automations Chooses the Secugen Hamster Plus USB Fingerprint Scanner for Biometric Authentication

Monday, November 8th, 2010

The Secugen Hamster Plus USB fingerprint scanner has been chosen by the global leader in wire processing solutions and specialist in high-precision stripping and crimping technology- Schleuniger Automations. The optical fingerprint reader has been chosen by the manufacturer due to its advanced optical sensors that can capture very high resolution images, making it an exceptionally dependable and accurate device. The Secugen Hamster Plus also won favor due to its ability to hold up under the most demanding conditions and ease of integration. It can work perfectly in the temperature range of 0 to 40 degrees.

This USB fingerprint scanner will be assisting the wire processing manufacturer with its CrimpCenter product line. The optical fingerprint reader will not only help the operators with safe and easy fingerprint logins, but also do away with the need for a username and password. With the introduction of the system, the manufacturer also seeks to resolve the issue of lost or stolen passwords along with improving the ultimate user’s experience. The Secugen Hamster Plus’ rugged and maintenance-free design also played a significant role in being chosen, as it was found to be a perfect fit for the tough industrial setting.

The Secugen Hamster Plus USB fingerprint scanner is compatible with a variety of operating systems such as Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows Server 2003 as well as the latest version Windows 7. The Secugen Hamster Plus is an ergonomically designed device that can work with any kind of thumb or finger. As the Secugen Sensor makes use of the Smart Capture technology, it ensures quality scanning of even the most difficult to read fingers, making it an extremely reliable device. The weighted stand of the reader is removable, making it a compact and handy device.

The Secugen Sensor also features an Auto-On feature, which automatically turn on the scanner whenever it detects a finger within reasonable range. The combined features of Auto-On and Smart Capture in the Secugen Sensor make it a biometric application that is not only robust, but also highly reliable. This optical fingerprint reader is resistant to scratch, impact, corrosion and electrostatic discharge as it has a hardened fingerprint contact area. The optical sensors of the Secugen Hamster Plus incorporate the latest in technology by using the patented SEIR technology. This optical fingerprint reader can support a variety of biometric functions such as fingerprint recognition, fingerprint verification, fingerprint authentication, fingerprint scanning and fingerprint matching applications.

Why an increasing number of police departments favor the biometric fingerprint reader

Monday, November 8th, 2010

Police departments the world over are relying more heavily on technology to be able to bring justice to the masses and put offenders behind bars. Part of this initiative of incorporating technological advances in the process of delivering justice is the use of biometric fingerprint readers. The biometrics system uses automated techniques of recognizing a person and the most popular amongst those is using fingerprints for identification.

Every person is born with unique set of fingerprints that are made up of a pattern of ridges and furrows. Fingerprint readers capture those particular patterns, which makes identifying individuals a simpler task. Biometric fingerprint readers have gained popularity in a number of industries, wherein a significant level of security is required. They are used at the entrance and exit gates of facilities, as well as for security checks wherever confidential information is stored.

This popularity of the fingerprint reader is also mirrored in the police or forensics departments of various countries. Biometric fingerprint readers are not only favored due to their ability to capture fingerprints, but also as they can match those prints with recorded data and identify the perpetrators of crime. An increasing number of police and forensic departments now also prefer to carry mobile fingerprint readers to the scene of crime in order to speed up investigations.

In the world of fingerprint readers, USB fingerprint readers have gained favor as well. USB fingerprint readers have become popular as they offer an easy solution to securing data. As any given police department houses a considerable amount of confidential and sensitive information, the portable USB fingerprint reader offers a convenient solution to prying eyes. Once the USB fingerprint reader is enabled, only those with configured access can obtain the data. This not only helps safeguard the sensitive records from theft, but also helps control the amount of information an individual can view.

Fingerprint readers are also especially useful in recording the time and attendance of individuals. Fingerprint attendance has become a fairly popular concept that has even caught on with the police department. By using fingerprint attendance, administrators can easily track an individual’s presence at work. Since fingerprint attendance systems require individuals to be personally present for the scan, they reduce, if not completely eliminate, the chances of any attendance proxies. They are also gaining popularity amongst the administrative or human resource departments, as they automatically generate records for attendance and are capable of creating reports instantly, which turns out to be a significant time saver, especially at the end of the month.